Chapter 8: Unveiling the Genius

The taste of success lingered on my lips as I made my way back home, my mind still filled with the exhilaration of my first attempt at the Supreme Warrior Art. The unique art had opened up a new world of possibilities for me, and the future no longer seemed as bleak as it once did when I believed my path was limited to the mage's way.

Master's voice broke through my thoughts, a hint of annoyance in his tone as he commented on my visible happiness. "Hey! What's with that smile on your face?"

Caught off guard, I couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "I apologize, Master. I'm just feeling really good after my success today."

Master's stern expression softened slightly, but he couldn't resist delivering a reality check. "Hey, hey! Don't let success get to your head. Just because you've succeeded once doesn't mean you're all that great."

His words pierced through my elation, reminding me that my accomplishment did not automatically make me exceptional. I understood that I was only able to train in this technique due to my unique circumstances—a lack of a magic core that set me apart.

With a more subdued expression, I replied to Master, "Yes, Master. I understand. Thank you for the reminder."

Master nodded approvingly and dismissed me, instructing me to rest for the day and prepare for the real training that would begin the following day. I bid him farewell, my mind still filled with the events of the day, and made my way home to find solace and calm my racing thoughts.

Meanwhile, as I departed, Master Norton returned to his own dwelling. Contrary to his seemingly indifferent demeanor towards my success, he couldn't contain his excitement. He had just witnessed the birth of a genius—a genius that would breathe new life into the warrior lineage.

Reflecting on the recent turn of events, a mix of nerves and anticipation filled Norton's heart. He couldn't help but question how I would react once I discovered the truth he had concealed. Norton, having been a prodigy himself, had forsaken the path of a mage to walk the warrior's path. Even among warriors, he had risen as a standout genius. Yet, the Supreme Warrior Art had always eluded him, leaving him searching for answers.

In an act of deception, Norton had lied to William, claiming that a mana core was unnecessary to practice the art. In truth, even warriors with minimal dependence on mana still required a mana core to absorb mana from the surroundings. His intention was to provide William with a brief reprieve, allowing William to indulge in the art while he searched for a solution to William's predicament.

However, to his astonishment, something extraordinary unfolded right before his eyes. Mana, regardless of its element, began to swarm toward William, drawn to his presence. Norton could hardly believe what he was witnessing. It was a phenomenon typically reserved for high-level mages undergoing breakthroughs. The sheer magnitude of mana gathering around me left him awestruck.

The mana energy enveloped William's body, and to Norton's amazement, he effortlessly absorbed it. Like a river flowing into the sea, the energy flowed into William's body unhindered. What astounded him further was that even after absorbing such an immense amount of energy, William showed no signs of stopping. It was as if his body had become a bottomless pit, voraciously consuming the mana.

Norton's initial concern for William's well-being dissipated as he observed his disciple body accepting the mana without adverse effects. His worries were unfounded. The absorption ceased after a while, perhaps because William's body had reached its limit. Although the phenomenon lasted only thirty minutes, it was still a remarkable feat when compared to the cultivation abilities among his disciple peers.

Normally, individuals required time to sense and absorb mana energy, gradually adjusting their bodies to handle greater quantities. The speed at which mana gathered was an indicator of one's potential. Norton recognized that his disciple's ability to swiftly gather mana set him apart as a genius.

Overwhelmed by astonishment, Norton's excitement soared. Laughing like a madman, he reveled in the revelation that I was not an ordinary person but a true prodigy. "I never knew I was right! Hahaha! My disciple is simply a genius! Let's see how those old fogeys react when they see my disciple!"

However, amidst his euphoria, Norton remained vigilant, ensuring no distractions could interrupt my training. He understood the crucial importance of the initial meditation, knowing that its effects may not be immediate but would manifest gradually, providing long-term benefits on my warrior's journey.